Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a chronic, blinding ocular disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Its incidence and prevalence of blindness continue to increase with global population aging. Non-pathologic high myopia (HM) has been established as an independent risk factor for POAG, and the two conditions share similar structural changes in the lamina cribrosa (LC) during the early phase of optic nerve injury. This review summarizes the common and distinct pathological alterations of LC in POAG and HM, with the aim of clarifying its central role in the initiation and progression of optic nerve damage. Elucidating these similarities and differences may facilitate early detection and targeted intervention strategies for at-risk individuals from a structural perspective.
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Open Access
Review Article
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Open Access
Clinical Research
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To investigate the etiology and clinical characteristics of hospitalized secondary glaucoma (SG) patients in northwestern China.
A cross-sectional study was conducted involving SG patients hospitalized between July 2024 and January 2025. Clinical data were collected, including medical history, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), slit-lamp examination, gonioscopic findings, and fundus examination. Demographic characteristics, etiological factors, and treatment modalities were analyzed.
A total of 67 patients (82 eyes) were enrolled, aged 7 to 90y. Males accounted for 54.0% (36/67), and 22.4% (15/67) of patients had bilateral involvement. The predominant etiologies of SG were neovascular glaucoma (NVG; 25.4%), traumatic glaucoma (23.9%), uveitic glaucoma (20.9%), and lens-induced glaucoma (14.9%), collectively accounting for 85.1% of all cases. The peak age-specific incidence occurred in the 50–59 years age group (32.8%, 22/67), while NVG was prevalent across the 40–79 years age range. IOP of the 82 affected eyes was stratified into five severity tiers: 22–29 mm Hg (15 eyes, 18.3%), 30–39 mm Hg (14 eyes, 17.1%), 40–49 mm Hg (13 eyes, 15.9%), 50–59 mm Hg (20 eyes, 24.4%), and ≥60 mm Hg (20 eyes, 24.4%). The overall mean IOP was 45.2±12.3 mm Hg, indicating a significant pathological elevation. Surgical intervention was required in 46.3% of cases, predominantly for NVG, lens-induced glaucoma, and traumatic glaucoma—conditions prone to rapid IOP elevation. The etiologies with the highest surgical intervention rates were malignant glaucoma, pigmentary glaucoma, lens-induced glaucoma, and NVG. In contrast, uveitic glaucoma cases were primarily managed with targeted anti-inflammatory therapy, which effectively controlled IOP in the early disease stages and potentially obviated the need for surgery.
This study identifies NVG, traumatic glaucoma, uveitic glaucoma, and lens-induced glaucoma as the four leading etiologies of SG in Northwestern China. These findings emphasize the critical need for targeted prevention strategies and evidence-based health education programs among high-risk populations. Implementation of such initiatives will improve early detection, enable ophthalmologists to deliver timely therapeutic interventions, and ultimately reduce preventable vision loss in this region.
Open Access
Review Article
Issue
Glaucoma is a group of diseases characterized by progressive optic nerve degeneration, with the characteristic pathological change being death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which ultimately causes visual field loss and irreversible blindness. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) remains the most important risk factor for glaucoma, but the exact mechanism responsible for the death of RGCs is currently unknown. Neurotrophic factor deficiency, impaired mitochondrial structure and function, disrupted axonal transport, disturbed Ca2+ homeostasis, and activation of apoptotic and autophagic pathways play important roles in RGC death in glaucoma. This review was conducted using Web of Science, PubMed, Project, and other databases to summarize the relevant mechanisms of death of RGCs in glaucoma, in addition to outlining protective treatments to improve the degradation of RGCs.
Open Access
Review Article
Issue
As a non-invasive surgical procedure ultrasound cyclo-plasty (UCP) has gained attention among ophthalmologists in recent years. Derived from the application of high-intensity focused ultrasound, it has been utilized for the treatment of various types of glaucoma, demonstrating notable efficacy and safety. This review focuses on the efficacy and safety of UCP in treating glaucoma among Asian populations. By summarizing and analyzing existing literature on indications, therapeutic outcomes, and safety profiles, this review further highlights the unique advantages of UCP in glaucoma treatment compared to traditional surgical approaches. These advantages include broader indications, non-invasive nature, quantifiable treatment, excellent intraocular pressure-lowering effects, fewer adverse reactions, and high safety. Additionally, by introducing the underlying mechanism of action, this review explores the factors influencing its therapeutic efficacy, providing theoretical insights for clinical practice and demonstrating UCP’s potential in glaucoma management.
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